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Best 4K gaming TVs 2021: Get the most from your PS5 or Xbox Series X

 (LG)
(LG)

Dispel any notions of what you think a gamer looks like. It’s 2021: female gamers are on the rise, as are older gamers over 55, who know that gaming is a great way to bond with younger family members. This is where the best TVs for gaming come in: they’re TVs that serve all of your entertainment and sport needs, with all of the top picture and sound features... and then some.

What type of TV is best for gaming?

While most content creators and pro gamers tend to use PC monitors for their gaming, you don’t need to invest in a whole new tech setup for a superior gaming experience: the best TVs for gaming will work beautifully with your PS5, Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch.

When picking out the best TVs for gaming, you’ll want to look out for slightly more detailed specs than simply a huge screen and vivid graphics. The best TVs for gaming should have extremely high picture quality (4K Ultra HD), HDR (high dynamic range imaging), a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a low response time (ideally 3ms or less), a low input lag (30s or less) and decent fps (frames per second; the higher, the better).

What is a 4K TV?

A 4K TV has a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels - four times more than a full HD display. That’s a key consideration for gamers, which is why 4K UHD TVs are generally considered a top choice for gaming thanks to their sharp detail, clarity and stunning graphics. Most have plenty of other smart features, with a range of useful apps a click away, and both the Xbox and PS5 have been optimised to work with 4K TVs (although you don’t need one for successful gaming).

Should I invest in OLED?

For the ultimate gaming (and TV watching experience), you may want to consider a new-gen OLED TV; these ensure improved image quality (blacker blacks, brighter brights) and quicker response times (QLED offers similar advantages, at a lower price point). LG is the brand that produces all OLED displays which are commercially distributed to brands like Sony and Panasonic.

We’ve rounded up the best TVs for gaming to suit all price points. These TVs are also a versatile choice for families since they’re packed with features that make movie nights even better – whether you decide to play Zelda afterwards or not.

LG OLED 48C1

Considered the jewel in LG’s crown when it comes to gaming TVs, LG’s 48C1 TV has a fan club that extends far beyond gamers, who praise this television for its excellent picture quality, easy installation, ultra-slim screen and great sound.

This is one of the best top-of-the-range TVs for gamers which boasts a refresh rate of 120Hz - the first TV to do so, along with LG’s G1 - and it has close-to-infinite contrast to enable you to play in dark rooms. The response time is super-quick (1ms) and input lag is very low so every move shows up on the screen straightaway - essential for keeping your edge in the game.

It also supports FreeSync, G-SYNC, and HDMI Forum VRR, which help prevent issues like motion blur and tearing. However, if you have a PS5, note that it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos sound or VRR, so you won’t be benefiting from those features.

 (LG_OLED48C1)
(LG_OLED48C1)

£1099 | John Lewis

Sony Bravia X90J 4K LED

Available in four different sizes, from 50” to 75”, Sony’s Bravia LED TV stands out for its immersive sound, an impressive contrast ratio and sharp HDR performance, which will help you suss out any enemies hiding in the shadows. You may have to adjust some settings in order to achieve the optimal 4K/120 fps, however you’ll be impressed by its low input lag and refresh rate.

If we had to nitpick, then be aware it does have narrower viewing angles than some of its competitors, so where you’re seated will affect your viewing experience. Fans also rate this best TV for gaming for its cinematic viewing capabilities.

 (Sony)
(Sony)

£1099 | Argos

LG Nano75

LG’s mid-range TVs don’t have OLED panels, but use NanoCell technology to improve colour depth and picture quality (think of NanoCell as a rival to Samsung’s QLED). NanoCell helps to maximise the gaming experience, making pictures feel more lifelike with higher-resolution graphics.

This gaming TV might not have the advanced gaming features of higher-priced LG models, but it’s still a solid choice for gaming thanks to the Game Optimizer, which automatically adjusts picture settings and visibility. It works well with the Xbox Series X or P5, and reviewers concur it’s easy to set up with your gaming consoles.

An added bonus? This TV has built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice-control, so you can turn it off without even touching a button.

 (LG_50NANO)
(LG_50NANO)

£549 | Currys

Hisense QLED 50A7GQTUK 50”

Hisense is a value-for-money brand with quality TVs that come with a standard Game Mode as well as an input lag of less than 20ms (for this model, it’s closer to 15ms). The A7GQ - currently on a cashback deal where you can redeem £50 - has some amazing features for the price point, including an excellent, crisp picture display (with Quantum Dot colour, which makes things look even more realistic), Dolby Vision HDR and impressive sound.

The only thing that lets this model down? The HDR performance, which just isn’t bright enough for super-serious gamers, and is an issue you’ll also see on TCL models in this price range. However, for casual gamers or those just starting out and looking for the best TVs for console gaming, you won’t be disappointed – especially considering it’s such a good all-round TV, with its 4K QLED screen and Alexa compatibility.

 (Hisense)
(Hisense)

£549 | AO

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

OK, technically this is a gaming monitor rather than a gaming TV, but it has such compelling features that we couldn’t leave it out – plus, serious gamers will be looking to upgrade their set-up to state-of-the-art monitors like this one.

The stunning design is Samsung’s latest launch, with a first-of-its-kind Quantum Mini LED curved display the measures a super-wide 49 inches. Expect super-fast response and refresh capabilities, as well as superb brightness. Compared to last year’s model, which had 10 dimming zones, this one has a whopping 2,048, so the contrast and deepness of the colours on display won’t disappoint.

With low response times and a high refresh rate up to 240 Hz, actions and images are always in sync. The main downside is its hefty cost.

 (Samsung)
(Samsung)

£1849 | Samsung

Philips 32 Inch 32PFS6905 Smart FHD HDR LED Ambilight TV

If you’re looking for a more petite television, perhaps for a bedroom or smaller space, then Philips’ 32-inch screen is a popular choice for everyday use – and gaming.

The Philips 32PFS6905 boasts Ambilight technology, which features LEDs around the edges which adapt to the colours on-screen for an immersive viewing experience (Ambilight is highly rated by reviewers).

If you switch the TV to Game Mode, it will lower the input lag to sub-20ms via HDMI.

 (Philips)
(Philips)

£300 | Argos

Verdict

LG is the top choice when it comes to the best TVs for gaming, since it’s got every feature for enhanced gameplay with minimal disruptions like motion blur or ghosting and incredible quality graphics. For a splurge, pick the new OLED 48C1; otherwise, the Nano75, for half the cost, ticks every box.

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